Teaching of Anatomy: Dissecting Dissection in Veterinary and Medical Education from a Historical Perspective through to Today

Kubale, Valentina; Perez, William; Rutland, Catrin S.

Abstract

As veterinary and human medicine education evolves, instructors can now incorporate a range of innovative anatomy tools, from low-fidelity models to high-fidelity simulators, 3D printing, dissection software, and augmented/virtual reality. However, cadaveric dissection in line with ethical animal use, guided by the 4Rs: replacement, reduction, refinement, and responsibility; still remains an important and critical teaching strategy. Dissection is the methodical isolation of the various parts of the cadaver to study their physical characteristics (colour, consistency, weight, dimensions, shape), location, and structure, as well as their irrigation and innervation. It enables a deeper understanding of anatomical structures through practical work. As a synonym of anatomy, dissection remains the main method to study, understand and research the body in veterinary and human medicine education. Students learn the key skills and core knowledge necessary for subsequent clinical work, including clinical examination, necropsies, and surgery. They also acquire the manual dexterity, pre-surgical techniques, and confidence vital for their future work. This paper investigates the advantages and disadvantages of using dissection and explores the contemporary, and often complimentary, methods used to teach anatomy. We should clarify that this discussion is about the dissection of cadavers (including the associated ethical considerations), rather than the largely outdated practice of vivisection…

Citation

Kubale, V., Perez, W., & Rutland, C. S. (2024). Teaching of Anatomy: Dissecting Dissection in Veterinary and Medical Education from a Historical Perspective through to Today. Slovenian Veterinary Research, 61(4), 225-232. https://doi.org/10.26873/SVR-2167-2024

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 23, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Dec 31, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 1, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 3, 2025
• Journal: Slovenian Veterinary Research
• Print ISSN: 1580-4003
• Electronic ISSN: 2385-8761
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 61
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 225-232
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.26873/SVR-2167-2024
• Keywords: anatomy, dissection, methodology, syllabus, technology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/46724366
• Publisher URL: https://slovetres.si/index.php/SVR/article/view/2167